In the 12-year period of 2005 through 2016, canines killed 392 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 65% (254) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Monday, February 11, 2008

Modesto, CA - Dangerous dogs could send their owners to jail under a new proposal. The law would also give animal control more authority to seize vicious dogs. On Tuesday, council members are scheduled to vote on the new proposal that declares a dog attack a misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine or time in jail.

"It's very important to have tools for those kinds of dogs," Councilman Will O'Bryant said. "I want something with some teeth in it."

Modesto's current municipal code addresses all animal control violations with the same penalties: $100 citations. Last year, people whose dogs bit children or mauled other pets received multiple $100 fines on one ticket, some totaling more than $1,000. Citing owners for multiple code violations on one ticket, however, appears questionable from a legal standpoint.

While council members attempt to sort this out, it is unclear whether the new proposal offers victims better recourse. Diana Rego complained to the council that she had little recourse against the owner of a pit bull that attacked her dog last year.

"This is a horrific story she's telling us and it's one we see all too often," John Bear, supervisor of the Police Department's animal control unit, told the council.

Bear said the increased penalties would help the city deter reckless pet owners and give officers more leeway to seize a repeatedly vicious dog.

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